This holiday, have fun and eat smart, too|Try these yummy ideas from Weight Watchers

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Holiday shopping and entertaining don’t have to be all about stress and overindulging. ShapeUpMom Kathryn Sansone, author, fitness trainer, busy mother of 10 and creator of shapeupmom.com, has some great gift-giving and entertaining tips that will help you have fun and still eat smart over the holidays.

Start by getting organized

This year, make a point to create a file of gift recipients. From teachers, mailmen and hairdressers to neighbors, family and friends, file each recipient into a category and add what gift he or she received this year. Next year, it will facilitate the gift-buying and gift-giving process and offer gift ideas you may have forgotten.

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Shop from friends or make it yourself

Buy gifts from friends and family who have small businesses. If you have a cousin who makes jewelry or a friend who does monogram soap, order a variety of gifts from them. You’ll feel good about giving them the business and you’ll treat your friends and family to a unique gift. Another option is to make gifts yourself. Not only does it show your thoughtfulness, but it highlights your creativity. Try making a gift basket with healthy items such as a set of dumbbells, jump rope, and a workout outfit and DVD.

Selecting Secret Santa gifts

If you’re asked to be a Secret Santa to someone this year, give a gift that most everyone enjoys — coffee and chocolates. Buy a creative mug that speaks to the person’s taste, a gift card to a local coffee shop and some deliciously crunchy Weight Watchers chocolate candies. To make it even more special, prepare pretzel rods dipped in chocolate along with caramel-pecan cranberries. Place them in a mug, tie it with a festive bow and attach a recipe card.

Look out for your girlfriends

Women appreciate when other women are looking out for them. When hosting a group of friends for a holiday exchange, prepare a lunch that’s healthy so no one has to feel guilty about indulging.

Sansone says, “I love to make easy chicken or turkey sandwiches. Toss together a bowl of fresh fruit and then add a delicious dessert such as a tray of assorted Weight Watchers chocolate candies that are easy, tasty and can be part of a healthier lifestyle.”

Packaging is everything

For a great hostess gift, take two martini glasses, a punch bowl or tray and fill with a variety of Weight Watchers deliciously sensible chocolate candies. Wrap them in cellophane and a bright bow. Attach a tag with a personal favorite recipe and you’re all set.

For more recipes and tips to make the holidays merry, visit weightwatchers.com/sensiblefoods. To become a fan of the Weight Watchers food products on Facebook, search for the “Weight Watchers Supermarket Foods” page.